June is National Safety Month

Seniors are especially vulnerable to falls, burns, and poisonings and many of these accidents happen in the home. This is why experts recommend using a safety checklist such as the one the CDC publishes, A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults. It points out the problems and provides solutions.

In addition experts say if you have balance problems, you may want to get a fall risk assessment from your healthcare provider. They can give you tips to help improve balance along with suggestions on how to protect yourself from falls. Recommendations include wearing non-slip footwear on smooth floors, and if you need a cane or walker to remain steady on your feet, use it rather than relying on holding on to furniture and walls. 

Keep hallways and stairways free of clutter, make sure they are well-lit, and use the bannister rail when going up or down the stairs. If you do have area rugs, tape the edges down so they do not create a trip-hazard or use ones with non-skid backing. It is important to get annual eye examinations to check for problems, and update glasses as needed.   

Other suggestions include setting your water heater’s thermostat no higher than 120 degree to prevent scalding yourself. Install grab bars in the bathtub and near the toilet and place a rubber mat in the bottom of the tub. Store medications safely and dispose of expired and unused medications. Install nightlights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.  

At the MorningStar of Pasadena senior living community, we offer residents comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting. Our beautiful home has 149 apartments for independent living and assisted living in a selection of floor plans and a broad range of amenities and services to meet seniors’ needs including nutrient-rich, tasty dining service. Our residents’ safety is important to us and each suite is equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Please visit our website to learn more about unrivalled senior living Pasadena style.

The Risks of Undetected SMIs

Did you know 45% of heart attacks are a “silent myocardial infarction (SMI)” and are likely to go undetected? Expert says they are more common in men than women, and a person typically does not experience the intensity felt during a normal heart attack. Often it is mistaken for heartburn, indigestion and other age-related aches and pains.    

A study published a few years ago in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found evidence of men suffering from undetected mild heart attacks. The study involved almost 2,000 people ages 45 to 84 (half of whom were men) who were free of any signs of cardiovascular disease. When doctors examined the group after ten years, “8% had myocardial scars, which are evidence of a heart attack. Most surprising was that 80% of these people were unaware of their condition.” The presence of myocardial scars was five times higher in men than in women.

While symptoms can be mild and brief, experts say to seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following: 

• Discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts several minutes, or goes away and comes back. It can feel like an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, or pain.

• Discomfort in other upper-body areas, such as one or both arms, the back, the neck, the jaw, or the stomach.

• Shortness of breath before or during chest discomfort.

• Breaking out in a cold sweat, or feeling nauseated or lightheaded.

There are two methods used to detect a SMI and one or both may be done during a visit to the emergency room. The first is an electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiogram that spots heart muscle damage. The other is a blood test that looks for the molecular footprints of troponin T, a protein released by injured heart cells.

At MorningStar of Pasadena, we are a vibrant 55+ community offering 149 bright suites for independent living and assisted living. Our all-inclusive community boasts a dining service under the direction of our Executive Chef, a wide range of floor plans to meet residents’ varying needs, and onsite amenities and care services providing carefree retirement years.  Please visit our website for pricing and availability on unsurpassed independent living and assisted living in Pasadena, CA.   

This blog is for informational use only and should not be used in place of medical advice from your doctor and healthcare providers

Source: health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-danger-of-silent-heart-attacks

Gifts for Father’s Day for Hard-to-buy for Dads

Does it seem like dad or grandpa has everything they need and you have no idea what to buy for them this coming Father’s Day? Unlike lots of women, many men are not a bouquet of flowers or personalized jewelry type of guys.      

However before you buy anything, remember dads are people too and each is different. While one may love a new power tool, another would rather get a bottle of fine wine or a pair of cashmere socks. Some dads play golf, some fish and some love a good hike. Others are more couch-potato dads and might love a subscription to a premium TV service. On top of that, your gift choice will most-likely be guided by your budget.

One unique gift is a blue-toothed shower head that lets him listen to his tunes while he showers, or perhaps quality, wireless headphones. For a handy fix-it on the spot type of dad, how about a multi-tool/ballpoint pen? The big online retailer offers one with three rulers, built-in level, Philips and flathead screwdrivers, pencil, pen, and stylus. 

If your dad is a space geek and loves everything to do with space exploration, he will love a copy of The New York Times’ book of reprinted pages from key, historical moments of space travel. For the dad who loves fried food, how about a healthier air fryer? For techie dads, how about getting him a new smartwatch? The field has grown over the last few years and ranges in price and features. 

MorningStar at Silver Lake knows your independence is important to you and we offer it in both our independent living and assisted living. Our maintenance-free lifestyle provides a chance to begin new adventures, meet a broader community of like-minded individuals and enjoy your precious retirement years. Please visit our website and browse through our extensive information. If you have further questions, give us a call. Don’t forget to ask about our Move-in Specials.

Regardless of Your Age, Remember to Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Now that we are older, many of us wished we had taken better care of our skin; however, doctors say it is never too late to protect ourselves from any future damage regardless of our age. In fact remember your older skin is both thinner and more fragile. The CDC says everyone should apply liberal amounts of broad spectrum sunscreen with a SPF 15 or higher every day before they go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days. 

If you are doing an activity where you will be sweating, swimming or toweling off, reapply every couple of hours using a higher SPF sunscreen. Check the expiration date, and if it is out-of-date, buy a new one. Recommendations also include wearing protective clothing. Some shirts and pants have a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which is the standard used to measure the effectiveness of sun protective fabrics. A hat should have a brim all around it and made from a tighter-weaved fabric. If you wear a ball cap, remember to apply sunscreen to your ears and the back of your neck. Sunglasses should be another part your arsenal against sun damage to your eyes; and can also reduce the risk of cataracts. 

Avoid the sun during the peak hours of the day; and when you are out; stay hydrated and remember alcohol and caffeine actually dehydrate the body. Men, especially those with lighter skin are most at risk for melanoma; the most deadly form of skin cancers. Moreover if you think following safety guidelines is too much trouble, read the following: The CDC reports every year in the U.S., nearly 5 million people are treated for some form of skin cancer, and melanoma accounts for around 8,000 deaths per year. 

As the newest independent living community in Hillsboro, OR, MorningStar of Hillsboro offers adults 55+ a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Our luxury amenities and hospitality services include chef-inspired meals, an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, social clubs and other indoor and outdoor venues. Please visit our website for pictures and more information.

Source:cdc.gov/cancer/skin/tips-for-men.htm

Walking is One of the Best Exercises for Seniors

Even if you have already moved into the “senior” category of life, medical experts say it is not too late to improve your health and mobility, and one of the best ways to do it is to walk. This was the findings based on the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) trial, which included more than 1,600 men and women between the ages of 70 and 89. Participants consisted of people who were not regularly exercising and fairly frail.  

The participants were divided in half with one group assigned to daily walking and strength and balance exercises. The other group attended educational workshops and were introduced to gentle stretching routines. “After 2½ years, the volunteers in the exercise group were 28% less likely to have become disabled (defined by the inability to walk about 400 yards without help) compared to those in the education group. They were also 18% less likely to have had any episode of physical disability.” LIFE’s researchers say the results could have been more dramatic but for the fact that those in the workshop group learned about the benefits of walking and some started to walk and exercise on their own.  

The advantages of walking include stopping bone mass loss, strengthening leg and abdominal muscles, and improving circulation by helping to lower blood pressure and reducing the risk for heart disease. It helps people lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, sleep better, increase mental sharpness, and improve balance and stability. Doctors say walking can increase your lifespan but if you have not exercised in a while, they caution to slowly increase your pace as well as the distance you walk. If you are unsteady on your feet, use a cane or walker, and everyone should wear properly fitting footwear.  

At the new MorningStar of Kirkland independent living community, we offer carefree retirement years. Our community has luxury amenities, hospitality services and beautiful apartments as well as onsite strolling paths and other nature trails nearby that encourage exercise. Please visit our website to learn more about the best senior housing in Kirkland.

Smartly-designed Floorplans Offering Style & Comfort

When we open in the last quarter of 2021, MorningStar at River Oaks will be in a class of its own in terms of other senior living communities in the Houston area. MorningStar Senior Living’s passionate commitment to serving seniors has earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none within our several dozen homes across the U.S. 

Our contemporary community offers a warm and welcoming environment throughout its expansive indoor and outdoor common areas that continues with a choice of fashionable private suites you will be proud to call home. Floorplans for assisted living suites include studio; one-bedroom – one bath; and two bedrooms – two bath configurations as large as 1089 sq. ft. All are designed to maximize space and offer large windows, high-end finishes, and storage. Studios are equipped with kitchenettes (fridge & microwave) or full kitchens in one and two bedroom units. Each is equipped with in-suite washer/dryers, handicap-accessible bathrooms, private heating and air conditioning, cable TV & utilities and 24-hour emergency call systems. 

Our secure memory care suites include a studio; one-bedroom – one-bath; or one-bedroom – two baths. For both assisted living and memory care, we provide weekly housekeeping, and laundry and linen services as well as daily spot cleaning and trash removal. In addition we have underground parking and scheduled transportation. To see actual floorplans for all of our suites, please visit our website.

Whlle on our website, be sure to take a look at the “Virtual Tour,” which provides an overall of our beautiful community and our philosophy and approach to senior living as well as our commitment to serving here at home and the world. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at River Oaks is near to several medical facilities including the River Oaks Medical Center as well as the beautiful Memorial Park. We are proud to provide compassionate memory care and assisted living Houston, TX families can trust.  Please contact us to learn more.

Put the Last Year Behind You, and Start Living Life to the Fullest

The yearning for the things we used to take for granted such as spending time with family and friends, going out to eat, or seeing a movie has taken a toll. While we experienced a range of emotions during the pandemic, many of us are now vaccinated and more than ready to resume or perhaps make some changes in our lives. This is especially true for the many seniors who socially isolated for months. 

If you are someone craving an active social life, a move to a senior living community may be the answer. MorningStar at Silver Lake offers both independent living and assisted living to adults 55+ and is the ideal place to meet new friends, take part in a range of activities or pursue your hobbies.

If you were wondering how safe our communities are, we have an update. During the first quarter of 2021, MorningStar communities hosted several vaccine clinics and vaccine acceptance rate among residents is 94%. While the aggravated impact of COVID on seniors is now an acknowledged fact, we understand the choice to be vaccinated is wholly personal, and one made after an individual has a balanced understanding of the benefits and risks. We consider it our responsibility to present information from authoritative agencies, which we supplement with our own “Back2Hugs” initiative. 

We are currently reemerging and starting back up many of the activities and programs MorningStar is known for including meals in our dining rooms, welcoming back third-party providers and in-suite family visits. All decisions regarding our residents’ safety are done in adherence with CDC guidelines and those of Washington State.  

Along with independent living and assisted living, MorningStar at Silver Lake offers respite care (short recuperative stays) and trial stays from a week to a full month to see if we are a good fit. The MorningStar Senior Living Company has proudly earned a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. To learn more about our Move-in Specials and availability from the best independent living and assisted living Everett, WA offers, visit our website.

What You Need to Know about Prediabetes

Dr. Lyudmila Shvets-Gabriel, an endocrinologist with White Plains Hospital Physician Associates in Armonk, New York Prediabetes, explains, “Prediabetes is a precursor to Type 2 diabetes. It means having higher blood sugars than what is considered normal, but not high enough to be labeled as having diabetes.” According to the CDC, the majority of people with prediabetes have no idea they have it and are not taking the necessary steps to prevent it from developing into diabetes. Experts estimate as many as 88 million Americans have prediabetes. 

If you are someone who has been diagnosed with prediabetes, you should begin today to lessen your risk of developing diabetes. While you may not be experiencing symptoms as you would with diabetes, doctors say some of the “long-term damage to organs such as heart, blood vessels, kidneys and nerves starts as early as in the prediabetes stage.”

Prediabetes has the same risk factors as does diabetes such as being overweight, having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes, not being physically active more than 3 times a week and being older than 45. Experts say maintaining a healthy weigh is the number one way to prevent diabetes. They advise cutting down on your consumption of sugary foods and beverages as well as briskly walking at least 150 minutes a week or another similar activity. 

To learn more, check out the CDC’s diabetes prevention lifestyle change program for guidance on how to build healthy life-long habits. “It claims that the program can help lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by as much as 58% (71% if you’re over age 60).”

Please visit our website for more information on the newest independent living in Hillsboro to find out what many of your friends already know about the healthy lifestyle senior living offers. Onsite amenities include a pool, fitness center, art studio, indoor and outdoor dining venues, beautiful nature areas nearby and our own strolling paths to promote a healthy lifestyle for active 55+ seniors.

Spacious Floorplans that Feel Like Home

If it has been a while since you looked into independent living in Kirkland, you may be surprised to learn there is a new 55+ senior living community being built in the Totem Lake area. Due to open in the last quarter of 2021, MorningStar of Kirkland offers residents a carefree lifestyle where we handle the maintenance inside and out and provide onsite luxury amenities, hospitality services and a community of friends.  

With 151 fashionable apartments, you are sure to find a floorplans that suits your needs. We offer several studio configurations around 475 sq. ft. Our one-bedroom – one-bath units are as large as 732 sq. ft. with several different lay-outs. If you are looking for two-bedrooms, we have models with 1 bath, 1 ½ bath, or 2 baths in a choice of 811 to 1138 sq. ft. All have a choice of balcony or a private patio.    

Regardless of the apartment you choose, each has a full kitchen with premium cabinets, countertops, and in-suite washer/dryer. Residents will appreciate private heating & air conditioning and the storage space, 24-hour emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Our weekly housekeeping and linen and laundry service helps to keep life simple.  

Located in the family-friendly Totem Lake area means it is ideal for remaining close to the grandkids while enjoying a full and active lifestyle. We provide plenty of incentives to connect with nature with nearby Juanita Bay, the Sammamish River Trail, and Sammamish Valley Park as well as our own Zen gardens.  Additionally we are less than a mile from the 4th ranked hospital in WA, Evergreen Health Medical Center, and the shops, restaurants and entertainment venues of The Village at Totem Lake are minutes away.  

MorningStar of Kirkland is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company and is guided by a culture rooted in a mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing options for the finest independent living in Kirkland. Visit our website for contact information and to take a look at our “Virtual Tour,” photos, and selection of floorplans. 

If You Find Yourself Feeling Anxious, Take a Look at Your Diet

If you are jittery or anxious during the day, medical experts say it could be due to the type of foods you are eating or drinking. Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, nutrition specialist and author of “This Is Your Brain on Food, says, eating certain foods can create a feeling of internal panic for some people but they may not “realize it’s related to the food they’ve consumed.”

One such food is anything high in sugar as it produces blood sugar spikes that drop way quicker than more balanced foods containing protein, carbs and fat. Maggie Michalczyk, a registered dietitian based in Chicago, explains, "This spike and drop can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and feel almost like a panic attack for some."  

Some of the worst foods for sugar spikes are cakes, candy, sugary drinks as well as food high in caffeine like coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Other foods not so obvious are consuming fruits and vegetables without balancing them with protein; drinking alcohol; or foods loaded with gluten, artificial sweeteners and hidden sugars. 

To help reduce anxiety and those jittery feelings, doctors suggest eating foods high in fiber, which break down much slower and help moderate insulin spikes. Other suggestions include: fermented foods such as kombucha, miso, tempeh and pickled vegetables or spices like turmeric with a pinch of black pepper. Try a soothing blend of herbal teas to help calm and relax the body; and include foods with vitamin D and B into your diet as both help to lower anxiety.

Please visit our website to learn more about trusted memory care and assisted living in Houston’s newest community, MorningStar at River Oaks. Built to elevate senior living in the area, we offer seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. If you are recovering from an illness or surgical procedure, we additionally offer respite care as well as short-term stays (from one week up to a full month). Please contact us for availability and pricing. MorningStar at River Oaks will open to residents in the later part of 2021. 

Everett’s Independent Living & Assisted Living Just Got a Lot Better

As MorningStar at Silver Lake (formerly known as Garden Court Retirement), joins the offerings for quality independent living and assisting living in beautiful Everett, area seniors have a reason to celebrate. MorningStar Senior Living was started in 2003 with the intention of “casting a new light” on senior living and creating housing for older adults that feels like a true home.

With communities spread across the U.S., we have built a reputation for excellence – and for authenticity – in why we serve and how we serve. Our team knows that the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing with others our gifts and talents, time and energy; and is where we find deep and lasting satisfaction.  MorningStar additionally holds firm to the belief that the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. We act upon this truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof.

MorningStar at Silver Lake’s apartments offers spacious floor plans with a selection of one-bedroom, one-bath; and two-bedroom, two bath configurations. Features include kitchens with full-size appliances, in-suite washers/dryers (in most apartments), window blinds, walk-in closets (in most), and available garage space. For peace of mind, bathrooms are handicap-accessible, and suites equipped with 24-hour emergency call system.  Utilities are included in your monthly fee as well as housekeeping services. 

As an independent living or assisted living resident, you will enjoy onsite amenities, meaningful wellness programs, live entertainment and special event designed to keep you engaged physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Our spacious grounds include a large garden patio, raised garden beds where seniors can exercise their green thumbs and strolling paths for exercising their legs, or those of their pets’ legs (we are pet friendly). MorningStar at Silver Lake offers respite care or trial stays from one week to a full month to see if we are a good fit. For unmatched independent senior living in Everett, WA, visit our website for further information, and ask about our Move-in Specials.

A Company Built on “Casting a New Light” on Senior Living

Since our company was founded in 2003, we have believed it is a privilege to “cast a new light” on senior living guided by the following precepts: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. In addition we firmly believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. 

Now offering independent living in Hillsboro, the new MorningStar of Hillsboro is designed to provide active seniors with a carefree lifestyle, as we handle the maintenance, landscaping, and housekeeping. This leaves you free to pursue your interest, explore new hobbies, travel and meet new friends. As our contemporary-styled building is both a gracious home and high-end resort, we offer a range of amenities, concierge services and wellness programs to promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle. 

We are situated in the highly sought-after neighborhood of AmberGlen and close to the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, the shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues of Tanasbourne Town Center and several area parks. To continue your adventure, Portland is 25 minutes to the east, and the serene beauty of the Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Tualatin Hills Nature Center are close by. Another interesting attraction is the Five Oaks Museum (formerly known as the Washington County Museum). One of the oldest historical institutions in Washington County, it is filled with modern artwork & historical exhibits showcasing the region's diverse cultures and land.  

With 141 fashionable apartments and graciously-appointed common areas both inside and out, we offer all the comforts of home. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have built for excellence–and for authenticity–in why we serve and how we serve. Please visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Hillsboro, OR offers.

Does Osteopenia Mean I Will get Osteoporosis?

Osteopenia is a condition that occurs when the body doesn't make new bone as quickly as it reabsorbs old bone. Medical experts say the biggest risk of osteopenia is it can lead to osteoporosis, a more serious, debilitating disease. Both osteopenia and osteoporosis are found in a bone density test, which measures the mass and strength of the bone. If bone density level is low based on the person’s age, they will be diagnosed with osteopenia. A finding of very low bone density is a sign of osteoporosis and causes fragile, easily fractured bones.    

While 54 million Americans have osteoporosis, half of all Americans over the age of 50 have osteopenia. Women post-menopausal are most at risk but one-third of Asian and white men over the age of 50 also have osteopenia. Everyone’s bones get weaker with age but smoking; excessive consumption of alcohol; a diet low in calcium, vitamin D, and certain medications; or medical conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, among others puts an individual at a greater risk for osteopenia.   

Typically osteopenia is asymptomatic (until it develops into osteoporosis), and is discovered with a bone density test. The painless test uses a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to assess the level of calcium in the bones.  

If you have been diagnosed with osteopenia, it is important to eat foods high in calcium such as leafy green vegetables and dairy; and foods high in vitamin D such as oily or fatty fish, mackerel and fortified cereal. Weight-bearing exercises (at least 30 minutes on most days) are those where your feet touch the ground like running and walking. Swimming and biking are not. For the best health include both weight-bearing and strengthening exercises in your weekly regimen.  

MorningStar of Kirkland offers adults 55+ a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and community. Our new community will open in the later part of 2021 and in addition to a choice of independent living apartments; residents will enjoy a range of luxury amenities and hospitality services. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about one of the finest independent living communities in Kirkland.

Memory Care with a Unique Approach & Philosophy

We understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia related disease is devastating and we want area families to know we are here to help shoulder the burden. While new to Houston, we are not new to senior living and specialize in caring for our most tender residents within our several dozen communities across the U.S. 

We are different from other communities in that every aspect of our memory care is designed from the ground up to accommodate residents. Secure and inviting, Reflections Neighborhood gives residents the freedom to easily navigate hallways and explore their surroundings, while maintaining their sense of independence as much as possible. 

Through the rigors of MorningStar’s Lavender Sky training, our staff is dementia care specialists who truly understand Alzheimer’s and other memory-loss conditions; and after a family decides to place a loved one in our care, we get to work. This starts by learning as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and personal preferences through a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” Using this information, we create a specialized, individualized service plan that helps to calm or stimulate as a particular situation needs. 

Meals are attractively served, and tasty as well as nutritional. Many foods are easily eaten with fingers to accommodate those who may have trouble using a fork and knife. In addition our wellness programs keep residents purposefully engaged and leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort, as we focus on residents’ unique needs.         

Along with our memory care, we offer assisted living as well as respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month). Please visit our website for further information, and inquiry about pricing and availability. We will open in the last quarter of 2021.

To Age Well, Lay the Groundwork for a Healthy Lifestyle

Growing older can open the door to chronic diseases, impaired mobility and other distressing health concerns. While there are many challenges we encounter on our path to old age, medical experts say there are some things we can do to improve and protect our overall wellbeing. Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, explains, “It’s important to recognize the things that are most supportive of a good immune system are a healthy lifestyle.”

This starts with the basics like making sure we get enough sleep each night, following a healthy diet, and staying physically active. Other things we can do to improve the immune system is to support our gut microbiome by eating plant-based foods and whole grains to naturally get prebiotics. The best sources of probiotics are from fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi.

Experts say drinking responsibly is okay but evidence of excessive alcohol in both human and animal research indicates “overconsumption of alcohol decreases immune reactivity, reducing the body’s ability to fight infection.” The 2015-20 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends women consume no more than one drink a day and men no more than two.  

Additional ways to protect and strengthen our immune system is to keep up-to-date with vaccines as well as follow the medical community’s recommended exercise guidelines. Quit smoking, get seven to eight hours of sleep a night and try to reduce stress are other ways we can strengthen our immune response. So is eating foods high in antioxidants such as artichokes, beans, blackberries, strawberries, dark chocolate, red cabbage and spinach.

The MorningStar of Hillsboro independent living community will open in the later part of 2021 and offer adults 55+ a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with an abundance of luxury amenities and concierge services. Our many services will include beautiful prepared, nutritional meals, an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, social clubs and a variety of indoor and outdoor venues. For more information on the newest independent living in Hillsboro, please visit our website.

Independent Living is Growing in Popularity among Seniors

If you have friends who have recently made a move into senior living, particularly independent living communities offering carefree retirement years for adults 55+, they are not alone? Seniors are recognizing the many advantages independent living offers such as maintenance-free living, predictable budgeting and a broader community of friends.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nearly one-third of adults over 55 are not physically active. The problem with this is study after study shows a lack of physical exercise as we age elevates a person’s risk for chronic disease, pain, and premature death.  At independent living communities such as MorningStar of Hillsboro, participating in physical exercise is both easy and fun with our indoor pool and a variety of wellness programs that include exercise classes geared toward the needs of seniors.

Another problem for many seniors is the way they eat. Now that the kids are grown and gone, too many older adults begin to skimp on meal preparations. At MorningStar of Hillsboro, we take dining to another level with chef-inspired, nutrient-rich meals largely prepared from fresh ingredients and enjoyed sitting with friends in our relaxing dining room. 

Living alone for all-too many seniors can result in feelings of loneliness and social isolation. According to A Place for Mom, this in its self puts older adults at risk for health complications, depression, and increased cognitive decline. Additionally safely aging in place can often require expensive home modifications. The Department of Housing and Urban Development projects by 2035, “8.6 million U.S. seniors will spend over half of their monthly income on housing expenses, including repairs and adjustments for aging in place.”

Another thing, imagine all the time you will have in a maintenance-free environment to pursue your own interest. Maybe it is time to improve your golf game, start or renew a hobby, get closer to the grandkids or volunteer in your community. The opportunities are endless. Please visit our website for more information on the newest independent living in Hillsboro to find out what your friends already know about the healthy lifestyle senior living offers.

Pasadena's Best Senior Living Offers Independent Living & Assisted Living

MorningStar of Pasadena is a vibrant 55+ community with 149 bright suites offering seniors a choice of independent living or assisted living. Our independent living is designed for active seniors who love the idea of someone else handling chores like maintenance, landscaping, and housekeeping to have more time to socialize, travel, and pursue various hobbies and interests. Seniors enjoy stress-free living and a lifestyle that extends their independence and lets them continue the adventure. 

Assisted living is for seniors who require a little help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to provide a better quality of life. As a resident, you will have a personalized plan created for you, and updated as needed. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services we provide to ensure your safety and to meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.

Among the many advantages to MorningStar of Pasadena is if you start out with us as an independent living resident, it is easy to adjust the level of care you may now need whether it is on a temporary basis or a more permanent one. All residents enjoy a range of luxury amenities and concierge services as well as a complement of wellness programs.

With a choice of studio and one- and two bedroom floorplans, you will find one to suit your needs. Each is equipped with a kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave, high-end finishes, ceiling lighting, window blinds, closet space and handicap-accessible bathrooms.  An emergency call system gives you peace of mind knowing someone is always available to lend a hand if needed.  

Along with independent living and assisted living, we offer respite care (short recuperative stays) or a chance to sample our community with a trial stay (from a week to a full month) to see if it is a good fit. Please visit our website for more on the finest senior living Pasadena offers.

Loneliness Can be a Real Threat to Seniors' Wellbeing

In 2018 researchers conducted a thorough examination of data from a number of independent studies regarding loneliness to determine overall trends. Of the more than 35 research articles measuring loneliness and mortality, the group found confirmation suggesting loneliness is a risk factor for all-cause mortality in both men and women. 

Another study from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found “adults 60 years old and older who reported feeling lonely were at higher risk for functional decline in addition to the increased risk of death.” The problem was further exacerbated in participants who had difficulties performing the ADLs (activities of daily living).

Experts say loneliness acts on the body in much the same way as chronic pain, and can actually be measured by an increase in the levels of stress hormones. One of those hormones is cortisol, which is responsible for impairing immune responses and contributing to inflammation. Seniors suffering from prolonged loneliness are “vulnerable to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and chronic conditions like heart disease and obesity.” 

If you have an elderly parent or know someone who lives alone, call frequently or send greeting cards or small gifts. When you can, try to see them in person, and be sure to engage them in conversation, asking questions and listening to their answers. Another thing you can do is to help them find a hobby or encourage them to rekindle an interest in something they used to do. Most importantly let them know you are thinking of them and they are loved.   

At the MorningStar of Pasadena senior living community, we offer residents comfort, security, predictable budgeting and built-in companionship. Our beautiful home has 149 suites for independent living and assisted living in a selection of floor plans and a range of amenities and services to meet your needs including a dining service and meaningful wellness programs.  Visit our website for information regarding unrivalled senior living in Pasadena, CA.

Source: agingcare.com/Articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm

Unique & Practical Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Elderly Parents

If your mom is one of those people who has everything and/or is living in an apartment where she does not have room for a bunch of useless stuff, be creative with this year’s Mother’s Day gift. You may worry that more practical gifts are too boring but if they help to make lives easier and more interesting, most seniors are happy to get them.

If mom lives alone, there are several smartly-designed dressing aids to make it easier for her to do on her own and would be a useful addition to a basket of goodies. If mom likes to wear dresses or blouses that zip up the back, a zipper puller will come in handy. The same goes for bracelet fasteners and magnetic necklace fasteners, both are great for those with some mobility problems. A cozy gift idea for a mom or grandmother who always has cold feet is a pair of heatable slippers. Microwaveable ones have a heatable insole typically filled with aromatic ingredients such as lavender and rosemary, and flax seeds. 

For a mom who suffers from sore muscles and stiffness, how about a Shiatsu pillow massager designed for the back and neck (it can also be used in other places). Simple to use, just plug it in and feel the tension ease from your body with the 3-dimensional deep-kneading shiatsu massage nodes. Want to give mom a spa-like experience? A gift of shower steamer bombs creates a relaxing, aromatherapy experience for women who love showers more than a bath. Most are made with natural ingredients and pure essential oils like lemongrass and lavender. 

Moms and grandmothers always love the gift of a loved one’s time. If you have all been vaccinated, why not put on a fancy brunch with many of moms favorite dishes. An offer to declutter and organize the house or to help mom write her life story is bound to bring up lots of memories and fun stories to share. 

MorningStar of Pasadena is a vibrant 55+ community in the heart of beautiful Pasadena offering 149 bright suites, luxury amenities and concierge services for a relaxing, stress-free retirement. Please visit our website for information on the finest independent living and assisted living Pasadena, CA offers.

Uplift Your Mood with Nature

Ecotherapy is a growing scientific field based on the concept that people have a deep connection to their environment and to the earth itself, and if we fail to nurture this connection, it can negatively impact our mental health. While more common in men than women, research indicates mood disorders can occur as seniors face live changes such as retirement, a medical diagnosis, or loss of a spouse. Dr. Jason Strauss, director of geriatric psychiatry at Harvard-affiliated Cambridge Health Alliance, explains many seniors “do not want to turn to medication or therapy for help, and for many, interacting with nature is one of the best self-improvement tools they can use."

Though we may not have unlocked the key as to why nature improves our mood, studies show it does. In 2015, researchers looked at the brain activity of adults after they took a 90 minute walk in either an urban or nature setting. The brain activity of those who took the nature walk “had lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region that is active during rumination — defined as repetitive thoughts that focus on negative emotions.” 

Other benefits of spending time in nature include lowering the blood pressure and the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, the body's fight-or-flight response. Nature’s beauty is visually calming as well and can calm negative thoughts and encourage more positive ones.  

MorningStar of Kirkland is a new, independent living community in the Totem Lake area in family-friendly Kirkland. Residents will not only appreciate our contemporary apartments and luxury amenities but our location. We offer strolling paths on our sprawling grounds as well as lots of local trails as we are minutes from Juanita Bay, the Sammamish River Trail, and Sammamish Valley Park. Our community is close to the Evergreen Health Medical Center, shopping malls and restaurants, and around 20 minutes to Seattle. With a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest,” we are a step above other senior living communities. Visit our website for contact information. Isn’t it time you start living your life to the fullest?